Hello, we are Sumara and Imran, proud owners of the Goddard School located in Stirling, New Jersey. We are thrilled to be able to provide The Goddard School’s outstanding program to the children and families of the surrounding communities. Before opening the Goddard School, we spent our careers in the financial industry working on Wall Street. As working parents, we struggled to find a high-quality program until the Goddard School opened in our area. Experiencing first-hand the value of a strong educational foundation and recognizing the need and demand for a high-quality alternative to childcare, we opened our school in May of 2019. Inspired by how our two children thrived at our local Goddard School, our mission is to provide a school that enriches a child’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical development while preparing them for success in the 21st Century, and providing the foundation for a lifelong love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment. We are also committed to providing an eco-friendly clean environment for our students and proud to be offering a choice of an organic food program. We invite your family to visit our brand-new state of the art school in Stirling. We are excited to introduce you to our incredible faculty, including our Education Director, and look forward to talking with you about the Goddard School’s play-based curriculum. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your child's growth!

Mrs. Lourdes is the Education Director at The Goddard School of Longhill Twp. Lourdes has been working with children for over 27 years. She worked at Primrose in SC, and at KinderCare in Connecticut for 22 years. Grew up in New Jersey and moved away 38 years ago and came back full circle. I have two sons and two beautiful granddaughters. With a passion for working with children and making a difference, she believes that the preschool years are a wonderful age to foster a life long love of learning and is committed to facilitating positive and enriching experience for all children and families during their time here! “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” By Angela Schwindt

Education Coordinator Ms. Kimberly began her career with The Goddard School as an Assistant Director. She has been working with children for eight years previously at the Goddard School in Clinton, as an Assistant and the Lead Preschool Teacher. Ms. Kimberly had strived to work with parents to best prepare each child for kindergarten and beyond. She has become our Education Coordinator and is looking forward to working with all ages and families. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, and especially enjoys sharing her love of reading with her 2 nieces. She loves hanging out with her Fiancé and her puppy Maya on a big farm, being outdoors, and making decorations for parties. She is very excited to be part of the Goddard Family in Long Hill Township.

Shahreen Ahmad, Regional Director for Goddard Long Hill and Clinton, brings over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education. With a Bachelor's in Finance and dual Masters in Early Childhood Education and School Building Leadership, she has successfully led educational programs across six sites. Shahreen’s student-centered approach, honed through her roles as a teacher and Assistant Principal in NYC, has driven significant improvements in social-emotional and academic outcomes. A dedicated educator and mother of two, she’s passionate about nurturing inclusive environments where every child’s voice is heard.

Ms. Erica is a dedicated and experienced lead teacher in our Pre-K 2 classroom. With over six years of experience in the child care field, she has taught children ranging from preschool to kindergarten, fostering their growth and development with passion and expertise. Ms. Erica holds an Associate's degree from Union County College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree to further her knowledge and skills. She is also looking forward to completing a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) program in the near future, aiming to work more closely with children on the spectrum. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Erica plays a crucial role in organizing our school events, ensuring they are engaging and memorable for both children and parents. She also serves as our social media coordinator, skillfully managing our online presence to keep our community informed and connected. She finds great joy working with children and is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment.

Ms. Celine brings a wealth of passion and expertise to our Preschool Classroom. With a B.A. in Art Therapy and currently pursuing her Master's at Caldwell University, she is also working towards her CDA certification. Ms. Celine has dedicated half her life to advocating for mental health, and she finds immense joy in nurturing and teaching young minds. Her dedication to children’s development is evident in her enthusiastic approach and her commitment to their growth. Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Celine takes pride in her leadership role, consistently training and mentoring her fellow teachers. She is thrilled and humbled to be part of the Goddard family, where she looks forward to inspiring and guiding the future leaders of tomorrow. Her passion for education and her nurturing spirit make her an invaluable addition to our team.

Ms. Merly is the Lead Teacher in our Bridge Classroom and has been a cherished member of The Goddard School family for two years. With nearly nine years of experience working with children, her passion for teaching is evident in everything she does. Ms. Merly is the proud mother of two beautiful girls, Mia and Cianni, who keep her busy with their Taekwondo, swimming lessons, and basketball. Teaching has always been her passion, and she finds immense joy in nurturing young minds and watching them grow. She loves seeing the children's smiles in the morning and leaves each day with a smile on her face. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Merly enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and cooking with her daughters, trying out new recipes together. She truly enjoys working at The Goddard School, where she can witness the children learn and understand new things every day.

Ms. Mileidy is the Co-Lead Teacher in our PreK Classroom, bringing over 10 years of experience in childcare. She  is  also currently pursuing her CDA certification, further enhancing her skills and commitment to early childhood education. She completed her studies in Venezuela and is trilingual, enhancing her ability to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Ms. Mileidy takes great pride in creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive each day. She has a passion for teaching and excels at establishing routines and structures that help children feel secure and supported. In her free time, Ms. Mileidy enjoys drawing, reading, and dancing. Her commitment to fostering a positive and enriching atmosphere makes her an invaluable member of The Goddard School community.

Ms. Faline is a Co-Teacher in our Bridge Classroom and has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School for two years. She holds an Associate's degree in Early Education and is passionate about teaching and supporting children's growth and learning. In addition to her commitment to education, Ms. Faline enjoys cooking and traveling in her free time. She is always delighted to be part of The Goddard School, where she can contribute to the development, success, and education of your children.

Ms. Siera is an Assistant Teacher in our PreK 2 classroom. She graduated from Union County College with an Associate Degree in Education with dual certification of Students with Disabilities and Math. , she is also minoring in American Sign Language. She has worked in the child care field for almost five years and enjoys learning new programs and processes. What she loves most about working with children is that she is able to watch, experience, and help their imagination and knowledge grow to their fullest potential. Most importantly what she loves about education is that she learns from her students as much as they learn from her. During her free time she enjoys watching movies, traveling, and learning new abilities.

Ms. Haleemah is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom and has been working in childcare for over four years. She has experience with children aged 2 to 5 years old and has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School team for the past two years. Her passion for working with children has been evident from a young age, and she plans to continue her education by pursuing her CDA certification. Ms. Haleemah has been a great asset to our team, bringing enthusiasm, dedication, and a nurturing spirit. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, listening to music, and dancing. She is eager to contribute to the growth and development of our young learners.

Ms. Maren has been a valued member of The Goddard School family for four years. She graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Business. With four years of experience in childcare, she excels as a Floater Teacher, welcoming and supporting all students throughout the school. In addition to her role at The Goddard School, Ms. Maren is a certified personal trainer and an indoor cycling instructor. Her diverse skill set and dedication to health and fitness bring a unique energy to our team. In her free time, Ms. Maren enjoys reading, writing, and participating in CrossFit. Her enthusiasm for both education and personal well-being makes her an invaluable resource for our students and a cherished member of our community.

Ms. Shelby holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and has been with The Goddard School for over three years. She finds The Goddard School to be a fun and rewarding place to work, where she can actively assist in guiding and teaching the next generation of future leaders and world changers. Shelby loves engaging with children and inspiring their curiosity and love for learning. She takes great joy in being part of their developmental journey, helping them reach their full potential. Additionally, Shelby helps run the taekwondo enrichment programs during the summer, sharing her passion and skills with the children. Outside of work, Shelby enjoys practicing taekwondo, listening to Kpop music, reading, walking, cooking, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School community, where she contributes to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners

Gia has been a valued member of The Goddard School team since February 2023, bringing over three years of experience working with children. Her passion for early childhood education shines through in her daily interactions with the kids, who she describes as "a constant ray of sunshine." Gia is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and is dedicated to growing her skills to provide the best possible care and learning experience for our students. As a floater teacher, Gia is known for her adaptability and enthusiasm, making her a wonderful asset to classrooms across our school.

Ms. Anllely is a Co-Teacher in our Get Set Classroom. With over eight years of experience working with children ranging from Toddlers to Pre-K, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. She is currently studying to earn her CDA certification. Ms. Anllely's favorite part about working at The Goddard School is leaving long-lasting impressions on her students. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the park with her son and watching movies. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for our young learners.

Ms. Makayla joins us as a floater teacher for the summer. She is currently a student at High Point University, studying Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood Development. Ms. Makayla has been working with children since 2021, including previous experience at the YMCA, where she supported youth programs and activities. She brings a warm, energetic presence to the classroom and is passionate about helping young learners grow and thrive.

Ms. Jordyn is the Lead Teacher in our PreK 1 Classroom. She has been working with children since 2022. In her previous childcare roles, her classroom received multiple awards for "outstanding achievement" and "exceptional structure". Currently, she is furthering her education by pursuing her CDA (Child Development Associate) for Preschoolers. Ms. Jordyn has a Native American background and is skilled in playing the violin, dancing, and theater. She enjoys shopping, picnics, painting, and horseback riding. Ms. Jordyn is excited to be part of the Goddard Team and to contribute to the growth and development of our students.

Ms. Marlene is the Lead Teacher in our Get Set classroom and brings over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Child Development, demonstrating her passion for both creativity and education. Ms. Marlene is dedicated to creating a positive and nurturing environment where students feel safe to express their authentic selves. She designs learning experiences that are relatable and meaningful to the children’s lives, helping them build strong connections and confidence. Known for being fun-loving, organized, and accommodating, Ms. Marlene fosters a classroom that balances joy with structure. She is bilingual in Spanish, which she enjoys incorporating into her lessons to expose students to new languages and cultures. Ms. Marlene’s warmth, creativity, and dedication make her a cherished part of our team and a positive influence on the children she teaches!

Ms. Vanessa has been working with children for over four years in various roles, including floater, assistant teacher, and lead teacher. Her experience across different age groups has allowed her to develop a well-rounded approach to nurturing and educating young learners. She is a graduate of Kean University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Fluent in Haitian Creole, she enjoys incorporating language and cultural diversity into the classroom. In her free time, she loves to read, always seeking new stories and knowledge to share with her students. Passionate about early childhood education, Ms. Vanessa strives to create a warm and engaging environment where children feel supported and encouraged to grow.

Ms. Gina is currently a student at Montclair State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology and Sociology with a strong focus on child development. Her passion for education and supporting young learners is evident in her work as a Sunday school teacher and her experience as a guidance counselor, where she has helped children navigate their emotions and build confidence in themselves. Ms. Gina comes from a rich multilingual background—she speaks Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole—which she uses to connect with children and families from diverse cultures. She believes in the importance of creating an inclusive and nurturing classroom environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Ms. Gina is excited to be part of The Goddard School family and looks forward to bringing her compassion, cultural awareness, and dedication to every child she teaches.

Ms. Gabby has been working with children for over five years, specializing in tutoring and teaching dance to children of all ages, including those with special needs. Her experience has allowed her to develop a patient, creative, and engaging approach to working with young learners. She is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, further deepening her knowledge and skills in child development. Ms. Gabby is passionate about fostering a love for learning and movement in children, helping them build confidence and express themselves through education and dance. Her goal is to create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow.

Mrs. Hina is a dedicated and experienced educator who brings a strong academic background and passion for early childhood development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Science and a Montessori diploma from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). With 9 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Hina has developed a deep understanding of child development and excels at creating engaging, student-centered learning environments. Mrs. Hina is fluent in both Urdu and English, allowing her to effectively connect with a diverse group of students and families. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family. As a proud mother of three sons, she loves trying new recipes for them, along with cooking, shopping, and gardening in her free time.

Ms. Kaia is a passionate and dedicated teacher who has worked with young children from diverse backgrounds for over 10 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and is currently pursuing her master’s in Early Childhood Education. Her philosophy on early childhood education is grounded in the belief that providing children with a nurturing and supportive environment is essential for fostering meaningful learning experiences and promoting social and emotional development. Ms. Kaia is excited to be part of The Goddard School family and looks forward to working with her students and watching them learn and grow each day.

Miss Niara is a Floater Teacher at our school, bringing over five years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked with children ranging from infants to school age and is passionate about supporting their growth at every developmental stage. Miss Niara holds an Associate’s Degree in Web Development and enjoys incorporating creativity and curiosity into the learning environment. As a Floater Teacher, she enjoys building connections across all classrooms and supporting children and teachers wherever she is needed.

Ms. Michelle joins The Goddard School of Long Hill as an Assistant Teacher with over five years of experience working with children from infancy through age seven. She brings a strong background in lesson planning, early literacy (ELA), curriculum design, classroom management, and supporting diverse learning needs. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ms. Michelle was raised in a culturally rich home and values incorporating inclusive practices into her teaching. Her warm, engaging approach and passion for early education make her a wonderful addition to our team.

Ms. Ximena is a Floater Teacher at our school with experience working with children from newborns to 14 years old. She is currently a student at Rutgers University, double majoring in Political Science and Business Management & Leadership. While her academic focus lies outside the field of education, she has a strong passion for working with children and brings warmth, energy, and flexibility to every classroom she supports. Ms. Ximena is fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, allowing her to communicate effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to our school community.

Ms. Katerina joins our Goddard School team as a floater teacher for the summer. She is currently earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Child Development. Ms. Katerina has a strong passion for working with young children and enjoys supporting their growth through nurturing guidance and hands-on learning. She is excited to gain more classroom experience and looks forward to being part of each child’s learning journey this summer.

Ms. Olivia joins our Goddard family for the summer and brings with her a warm and energetic spirit. She is currently a student at the University of Central Florida, where she is studying Civil Engineering. Ms. Olivia has previous experience working in summer camps with children ranging from age 5 through high school. She enjoys creating fun, engaging experiences for children and brings a positive attitude to every activity. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School community this summer and looks forward to supporting and connecting with our students.

Ms. Tejal is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool classroom. She holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and brings a strong background in both accounting and customer service. This is her third year working with children, and she is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment for young learners. Ms. Tajul speaks Hindi and Gujarati, which helps her connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and reading. She finds joy in bringing smiles to others and is grateful for the opportunity to work with children and make their days a little brighter.

Ms. Nia joins our team as a Floater Teacher, bringing with her valuable experience working with children of all ages. Prior to joining our school, she worked as a swim instructor, where she built strong connections with children while helping them develop confidence and new skills. Ms. Nia’s calm and supportive nature makes her a wonderful presence in every classroom she enters. She is excited to continue nurturing children’s growth and development across all age groups.

Ms. Shaunice joins The Goddard School of Long Hill with over five years of experience in early childhood education, specializing in infant care. She brings a warm and nurturing approach to her role as the Lead Teacher in our Infant classroom. Ms. Shaunice is passionate about supporting each child’s development during their earliest stages and creating a safe, loving environment where they can grow and thrive. Her dedication and experience make her a wonderful addition to our infant team.

Ms. Mary Jane joins us for the summer as a floater teacher. She is currently studying to become a speech therapist and has had amazing experiences working with young children through her university tutoring program, speech therapy internships, and summer preschool camp positions. She brings a passion for language development and early education to the classroom. Ms. Mary Jane speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, and some French, and she is currently learning American Sign Language (ASL), further enriching her ability to connect with children from diverse backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, cooking, and doing arts and crafts.

Ms. Karissa is an Assistant Teacher with over seven years of experience working with children ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old. Throughout her career, she has specialized in team building, lesson planning, arts, and physical education. Ms. Karissa brings great energy and creativity to the classroom and is passionate about helping children learn through play, movement, and hands-on activities. She believes in creating a supportive and engaging environment where children feel confident to explore, express themselves, and build meaningful relationships. With her strong background in both structured and play-based learning, Ms. Karissa is committed to fostering each child’s growth socially, emotionally, and academically. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her a valued part of our teaching team.

Mrs. Yalani Jonah-Baroch is a dedicated Assistant Teacher who brings a strong background in early childhood education and social services. She holds an Associate degree in Social Services from Union College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kean University. Yalani has been working with children since 2017, with experience ranging from infants to toddlers. She joined The Goddard School as a Teacher Assistant in 2024 and has also served as a Behavioral Technician. Yalani is fluent in English and Jamaican Patois, which helps her connect with a diverse group of children and families.